Glucosamine Overview: The Best Types (and Forms) for Joint Health

When stiff knees or other joints make it difficult to keep up with the regular pace of life, many people turn to joint health supplements like glucosamine to nourish their joints and help them stay active. But as with almost every other category of supplements, joint products like glucosamine come in a variety of types and forms. Before we jump into the different types of glucosamine, let’s do a quick refresher on what glucosamine is and how it helps support joint health.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring compound found in your body. One of its roles in the body is to help keep cartilage healthy. Cartilage is one of the main structures that cushions your bones where they meet up at the different joints throughout your body.[1]

As you age, however, cartilage can weaken and break down, which can impact how joints function and feel.[2] Joint health concerns related to ageing affect millions of adults in the United States alone.[2] And clinical evidence suggests certain glucosamine supplements may help comfort joints and slow the effects of ageing on cartilage.[1]

Different Types of Glucosamine

There are three common types of glucosamine found in various dietary supplements—glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG).[1] Glucosamine sulphate is the type used most often in clinical research, and it is the naturally occurring form found in the human body.[1]

Glucosamine sulphate
Glucosamine sulphate is glucosamine bound to sulphur. Most researchers have focused on this form glucosamine in their studies. For joint health—especially of the knee—most research shows glucosamine sul[hate supplementation supports joint health, and it may slow the natural breakdown of joint cushioning over extended periods of time.[1] Glucosamine sulphate is almost always derived from shellfish, such as shrimp and crab, so be cautious if you have shellfish allergies and choose a glucosamine supplement made without shellfish instead.

Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL)
Glucosamine hydrochloride is glucosamine bound with chloride molecules. Unlike glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride is often manufactured from sources other than shellfish.[3] But be sure to read the product label to check ingredients and warnings. While the lion’s share of the research in glucosamine was done with glucosamine sulphate, there is some research to show glucosamine hydrochloride does provide similar benefits for joint health, and this form may be an alternative for vegetarians, vegans and those looking for non-shellfish sources.[3]

N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG)
Instead of being bound to sulphur or chloride molecules like the types of glucosamine above, N-acetyl glucosamine is a unique compound made up of glucosamine and acetic acid. Acetic acid is a larger and more complex molecule than sulphur or chloride.[4] Like other forms of glucosamine, it is taken to help support joint tissue, but n-acetyl-glucosamine is also used as an anti-ageing ingredient for skin, and it may provide some support for digestive health.[4],[5]

Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Like glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate is a natural component of cartilage.[6] It’s a complex carbohydrate that helps your cartilage retain water.[6] When paired with glucosamine in combination supplements, the two work to support both the cushioning of your joints, as well as the lubrication and mobility of your joints.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM
While glucosamine and chondroitin work synergistically to support the cartilage structure and cushioning function of your joints, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)—a highly bioavailable form of sulphur—promotes healthy connective tissues like tendons, ligaments and other important joint tissues.[7] It also works as an antioxidant to help protect tissue cells.[7] Many see this three-in-one combination formula as an option for complete joint nourishment.

Hyaluronic Acid
Your joints depend on lubrication to work properly and comfortably. Your body uses a substance known as synovial fluid to keep your joint tissue surfaces lubricated. This fluid reduces friction to keep joints gliding smoothly.[8] A major component of this synovial fluid is hyaluronic acid, which plays a key role in joint lubrication by providing viscosity to synovial fluid.[8] For this reason, hyaluronic acid has become a popular ingredient in many supplements taken to promote joint lubrication, as well as in combination formulas for joint health.

Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a protein component of cartilage, bone and other tissues.[9] Collagen is taken to support mobility and overall health, and some forms are taken to benefit hair, skin, and nails.[9]

What’s the Best Form of Glucosamine?

Glucosamine supplements are available in several forms. Glucosamine tablets and pills are common, but it is also available in liquid suspensions, powders and topical creams. Ultimately, choosing which type of glucosamine and in what form (capsule, tablet or liquid) should be a decision based on a healthy dialogue between you and your primary health care provider, and you should consider which form you are most likely to take on a regular basis.

A typical dosage of glucosamine sulphate for joint health is 1500 milligrams per day, often divided into three 500 mg servings, but always follow the instructions on the product label unless instructed by your doctor.[10]

Glucosamine Pills
Adding a glucosamine pill to your supplement routine might be the most convenient way to get your daily dose of glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements are readily available in doses from 200 mg to 1500 mg per tablet, and many joint-health combination formulas are available in capsule form.

Liquid GlucosamineLiquid glucosamine is easily absorbed by the body and may be a great alternative for people who don’t like swallowing pills or just prefer to mix their supplements into a beverage. It often comes in fruit flavours, like orange and blueberry, which mix well with juices, smoothies or plain water. Most liquid glucosamine supplements need to be refrigerated after opening so check your product label for storage instructions.

Glucosamine Powder
Glucosamine powder is also easy to mix into beverages, comes in various flavours, and provides dosage flexibility similar to liquid glucosamine. But unlike liquid glucosamine, it does not typically need to be refrigerated after opening.

Glucosamine Joint Creams
Many topical creams for joint health include glucosamine along with additional joint-supporting ingredients like capsaicin (for heating action) and boswellia extract. Boswellia extract is a herbal tonic used to soothe joints and provide support for cartilage.[11]

Allergies

An allergy is when the immune system has become hypersensitive to a particular substance and its response is damaging to the body. Substances that cause such reactions include foodstuff, pollen, fur, dust and medicines, and can be at varying degrees of severity.

Amy Sunderman, MS, RD

Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and author with over 17 years of experience in the supplement industry. Amy is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. She enjoys working to find novel nutritional ingredients with strong clinical research behind them to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.